Weird things happen on text chains. We were talking about the classic sitcom Cheers and someone made a joke about the rival bar on the show which was Gary's Olde Towne Tavern. Gen X nerds waxing nostalgic for a show about our youth and the ephemera related to it, right? But there I go and take it too far. First of all, I Google and find that Gary's Olde Towne Tavern exists in Naples, Florida. Secondly, I mention that we do have a scheduled trip to Maine five months later. Finally, I get it in my head that this will be the perfect midpoint stop on our trip to Baxter State Park. What sealed it for me was finding out that a mutual friend and former teammate from college frequented Gary's as his local.

So as we are headed to Maine, I started texting people about using this as the midpoint lunch sport. No one bought into my plan, which was based on a joke about a forty year old television show from a text conversation from six months ago.

Gary's is great! It is right on Sebago Lake State Park and has a lovely back patio, which we took advantage of. Picnic tables with an awning for sun protection, and the late June sun was brutal in a perfectly cromulent way. The beer list was good with a wide variety of local and national craft beers as well as the normal macro beers. There were also some nice non-alcoholic options.

For food, it was standard pub comfort food done well. We started with Fried Green Beans which are delicious and really not part of my meal plan. I was able to limit myself to a handful. They went quick. I had a salad for my lunch which was well done and my dining companions were happy with their menu choices. We were told by our track running college friend to try the pizza and I hope that you do too.

There is ample parking and the patio seems perfect for well behaved dogs and unruly children. Yes, I would feel at home here after a day on the lake or any other outdoor activity. It is as if it were made for that.

-EWA

Gary's Olde Towne Tavern